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Generals Salute Major Idwal

TWO retired generals were among the people paying tribute to Major Idwal Evans at his somewhat unusual funeral.

Major Idwal Evans

Idwal’s widow, Jacquie read a tribute she had received from General Eva Burrows. General Eva recalled the time she shared serving alongside Idwal at the Army’s Howard Institute in Rhodesia and what a good influence he had there. General John Larsson attended in person with his wife Commissioner Freda and spoke of the closeness of his and Idwal’s families and the encouragement Idwal always gave.

Other tributes came from the family, former colleagues and the Leigh Rotary Club, of which Idwal was an honorary member. The common theme was his zest for life, getting involved and good humour. Much reference was made to his athleticism which came to the fore in most of what he did. The comment was made that he only came home when he had run out of people to visit.

The service was unusual in that the committal took place at the hall. The coffin was removed and family paid their last respects privately and returned to the hall whilst the undertakers proceeded to the crematorium without the mourners. The service then continued at the hall with remembrance and thanksgiving, lasting two hours in all.

Music was provided by bandsmen from Hadleigh Temple, Leigh-on-Sea and the divisional fellowship band, under the baton of Deputy Bandmaster David Martin (Southend Citadel).